The No Makeup- Makeup Look

Let's face it.

We all want to look like we aren't wearing crraaazzzyyy amounts of makeup..

while still looking natural...

but not plain and washed out.

It's a tricky look to achieve.

Obviously, I wish I could be the girl that doesn't wear makeup and looks amazing.

But, I'm not.

So, if you are like me...here is how to achieve the ever so enviable

"no makeup" makeup look.

Sometimes I try to look like i'm not wearing makeup by actually wearing verrrry little makeup.

Example? 

The picture on the left.

I simply brushed my face with some powder and a swipe of mascara. 

That's it!

I end up looking washed out and a little blahhhh.

That isn't what I was going for.

The look on the right is 

warm & glowy.

natural & light

Bam.

That's what we are wanting to achieve.

Here are a few simple steps to create an oh so natural "makeup free" look.

 Step 1: Apply a light foundation

Products: Foundation | Primer

This is where I always go wrong. I try to put on a little powder and think that is all i need.

Well....it isn't.

I have really bad rosacia on my cheeks. This results in a lovely red hue to my face...but isn't always even. Especially during the cold winter months, my skin becomes especially dry and blotchy.

Using a light foundation (like the one i'm using) keeps your makeup light, but still provides the necessary coverage needed.

If you don't feel like wearing a foundation, try using a BB or CC cream!

*If you are using a foundation, make sure to use a primer before putting foundation on your skin! This helps keep your foundation in place all day long!*

 Step 2: Conceal those dark circles!

If could only have one makeup product, I think this concealer would be it!

It is creamy and smooth...and a little goes a looong way!

This helps your face look more alert and youthful.

*I always do a shade lighter than my foundation..but don't go too light!*

Step 3: Smooth & Matte

Products: Powder

Applying a powder to your face after completing your foundation and concealer locks everything in.

This only takes a few minutes...and makes the biggest difference to your complexion.

Step 4: Don't forget your cheeks!

Products: Blush | Highlight

Having a little rosy glow will take your natural look to the next level.

Sweep a small amount of blush on the apples of your cheeks.

Suck in your cheeks and apply this NARS highlighter on your cheekbones. 

Step 5: Lighten up your eyes

After applying a little brown liner (not black...brown keeps the look softer) and a few swipes of mascara, try this trick:

Using a matte highlighting pencil, line the corner of your eye, lower lash line, and the arch of your brown. Blend in the lines using your pinky.

Instant pop without using a ton of black makeup to cover your beautiful eyes.

Add a little lip gloss or tinted chapstick to complete the look!

You will have people wondering..."Does she just wake up like this?!"

Don't worry...it can be our little secret :)

xo-elle

Better than....Chex Mix

I'm sure everyone has healthy eating at the top of their resolution list.

But, you guys...this stuff is worth a little cheating.

My sister made this on New Years Eve, and I swear to you I couldn't stop eating it.

When I asked her what this stuff was called, she nonchalantly called it...

"Better Than Sex Chex."

Amen sista...Amen.

This stuff is the best.

Seriously.

Better Than Sex Chex Mix

8 cups corn chex

3/4 cup backed brown sugar

6 TB butter

3 TB light corn syrup

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 cup mini reeses peanut butter cups

1 cup mini marshmallows

1/2 cup caramel bits

1 tsp coarse sea salt

1 TB heavy cream

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Directions:

Pour chex cereal into a large microwavable bowl.

Line cookie sheet with foil 

In a microwavable bowl, microwave brown sugar, butter and corn syrup on high for 1-2 minutes....stirring every minute until melted and smooth. Stir in baking soda until dissolved. Pour mixture over chex cereal and stir until evenly coated. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring every  minute. Spread on cookie sheet and let cool for about 10 minutes.

Sprinkle chopped reeses peanut butter cups and marshmallows over the chex mixture.

In small microwavable bowls, microwave the following:

caramel+salt+cream

milk chocolate chips

white chocolate chips

Microwave for about 1 minute, stirring as needed until melted and smooth.

Drizzle caramel, milk chocolate and white chocolate over the mixture. 

Let cool & enjoy!

xo-elle

a cute little organizer

the makeup i use on the daily tends to end up all over my bathroom counter.

 every. single. day.

much to my husbands chagrin.

it just happens, ok?!

but i've found a solution...

this cute little organizer i found at The Container Store.

[ ps... how amazing is The Container Store? ]

the reason i love it-

unlike a makeup bag,

my makeup is right in front of me.

i don't have to fumble through

looking for my eyeliner or concealer.

basically,

it's easy access.

 i love how easy it is to snag my makeup,

and put my makeup right back. 

so it doesn't end up all over everywhere!

and so does my hubby. :)

now go grab one of these organizers,

and go buck wild!

k byeee

e

my daily lip color...

Do you ever find a lip color you can't get enough of?

This is that color for me.

NARS "Bahama"

E introduced me to this color & I have been obsessed with it ever since.

(It's pretty great to have a makeup artist as a best friend) ;)

The color? It's can't be beat. It is the perfect mix of pink and brown. I'm convinced it is a perfect dupe if you are going for a Kylie Jenner lip color.

(Yes...I am obsessed with finding the Kylie Jenner lipstick.)

This velvet matte lip pencil is perfection.

I was worried it would dry my lips out and make them flakey and creased since it's matte.

NOT. THE. CASE!

It doesn't dry your lips out at all.

AND

It goes on light and creamy.

Honestly, I forget i'm wearing it sometimes. It's that good.

Do you have a color you wear daily?

What is your favorite brand?

xo-elle

one planter. three ways.

hanging planters are all the rage right now.

you can craft one like elle did HERE

 orrrrr if DIY just isn't your thing,

  you can buy this one at Ikea.

i absolutely love greenery in any space.

it adds character,

texture,

and dimension to any room.

so check out how i styled one planter,

in three different areas of my home.

 

 the kitchen //

 

the reading nook //

and the office //

 [and yes... that is a giant duck poster you see]

if you're anything like me,

you dread hanging up new decor because of the holes you're going to make in your walls.

[OCD much?]

but try this little life hack-

command strip hooks.

 by using these awesome hooks,

you can move your planter from room to room whenever you want!

i can't wait to see where you hang your planter!

remember to tag @e_and_elle and use #eandellemademedoit

so we can see your creations!

k byeee

e

Tassels Two Ways...

I've been obsessing over tassel necklaces for months and months & decided to try crafting a few myself.

If you love tassels as much as me, you will love this easy little craft.

Tassel Necklace #1:

Take some leather cording and measure how long you want your necklace to be.

Tie a knot in your leather cording.

I purchased a tassel from my local craft store in the fabric section.

Loop the tassel through the leather cording.

BAM

Fun black tassel necklace!

Tassel Necklace #2:
Golden Tassel

What you will need:

Needle Nose Pliers

Jump Ring

Gold Chain

Gold DMC Floss

 Cut a small piece off of the string and tie it in a knot about 1/2 inch from the top.

This will give you the loops to connect the jump ring to your necklace!

*I dabbed a small amount of E300 glue to my knot to keep it in place!*

 Cut your strings to the desired length.

(You should be able to make two tassels per DMC floss)

Connect your tassel to your necklace by securing the jump ring.

Two super easy necklaces that only take a few minutes to make.

If you aren't into having to make your own necklaces...here are a few options you can buy that I love!

 Black | Blue

xo-elle

squeaky clean

i am a firm believer in washing your face

every. single. night.

and i'm religious about moisturizing. 

every. single. night.

and i'm obsessed with these two little products // 

 Trader Joe's enriched moisturizing face lotion

 and Trader Joe's Spa face wash with tea tree oil.

they are oh so yummy.

and here's why-

both products are super affordable and a GREAT bang for your buck!
(less than $10 for both products!)

 a little product goes a longggg way.

 so it lasts a super longggg time!

if you're anything like me,
you're skin needs lots of love.
and this face wash is perfect for just that.
lots. of. good. good. love.

the face wash is super gentle, and won't strip your skin causing blemishes or breakouts.

it controls the oils in the skin and helps eliminate uneven skin texture.

it leaves your skin smooth and soothed.

and even helps existing acne!
(hallelujah)

 the moisturizer is fab for many reasons-

 a. it has SPF in it. which is fab. and a must have for your facial moisturizer.

b. it provides the perfect amount of moisture for your skin,

without being overly creamy or greasy.

c. you can use this moisturizer in the morning or at night,

because it doesn't cause your skin to become oily when you use it.

you guys,
you've got to try this stuff!

i promise you're going to love it.

oh and ps....

the face wash smells a wee bit funky.

but don't be alarmed!

apparently it's the smell of tea tree :)

enjoy loves! 

k byeee

e

can you believe it's 2015?!

Happy New Year!

we are wishing you a year of happiness, success and lots of love.

 we have a feeling 2015 is going to be your best year yet!

love you all!

e&elle